Conflicting info on nasturtiums and tomatoes

insomniac23(z8 Oregon)April 21, 2005

Hi everyone. I have been reading posts, books, and looking at internet sites - some list nasturtiums as a good companion plant for tomatoes, and some list it as an antagonistic plant. Anyone care to share their growing experience?

I've found nasturtiums to be great companion plants for my tomatoes. I would recommend planting them a few feet away, and letting them vine their way among the tomatoes, since nasturtiums have rather large, aggressive root systems (at least in my garden - I pull them up at the end of the season, and get 2-3 feet of roots from each plant). The tomatoes don't need competition. They do look great together. I use the nasturtiums as a "trap crop" for aphids; when they look ratty, I cut back the affected stems and leave the rest to grow on.

I do prefer to grow "bushy" nasturtiums, especially 'Alaska.' They'll travel a few feet, but not climb all over the tomato trellises. I grew 'Moonlight' one year, and it practically took over the garden.

What do you think about planting Borage, Chamomile, Geraniums or Petunias? I need some advise for my grandmas garden. I was planning on planting tomatos, bell peppers, basil, and some of these flowers to prevent afids, and tomato worm, any help would be great. Please email at noblefishing@gmail.com or call/text at (619) 947-1709